Getting to Know Pastor Joie - Part 1

Resources from this episode:

Psalm 34:8

Isaiah 40:11

Colossians 3:10

Show Notes:

We see where she is at now, but listeners often ask Pastor Joie about her journey into ministry. Things she didn’t like growing up or thought were bad, she can now look back on to see that God used them to create who she is.

As soon as Pastor Joie was saved, she knew immediately that she was called into full-time ministry. Even though she was considered Catholic, she wasn’t raised in the church, so her Dad did not understand. He was furious that she would give up a college scholarship to go this route. But she understood that she had to step out in faith to see God work in the situation. She felt like there was nothing else she wanted or could do in life. She thought she could have a “good life” if she did not enter the ministry, but she would never receive “God’s best.” At the crossroads of the decision, she had to choose obedience to what God was calling her to do regardless of what everyone else thought.

How would you encourage a listener who is facing adversity as a new Christian?

 Everything boils down to obedience and being led by the Spirit. When you are on fire and so hungry for the Lord, you start to not feel right in your spirit when you are sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

 The number one thing you can do is follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Don’t listen to the voices telling you it’s crazy or you are fine. Protect the seed of God that is at work within you.

What advice would you give to people frustrated with worldly behaviors they are exposed to in their life?

 We can make as many excuses as we want, but it is 100% on us. I know I could have affected many people positively in previous seasons, but it was me deciding to blend in and conform at that time. There is a natural tendency to become like the world. We start compromising a little at a time.

 On the opposite side, don’t be weird and extreme to where you are unrelatable to the world. You have to try and be like Jesus in that atmosphere. You can protect what God is doing and not engage in things, but you must love them where they are. Remember, it all comes down to being confident in your convictions and loving people.

What were the next steps when you felt the call of ministry?

 The best place to be is in the will of God. When you are in the will of God, provision, grace, and protection will all line up. You may still have to fight for things, but you walk through it with a different level of grace.

 Start with a desire to reach people. No matter the season, you can start where you are. For example, you may be a young Mom tired in the current season. You may have limited time for prayer and study. Don’t feel guilty or worry that God is mad at you. Instead, focus on the things you can do in this season. That may mean inviting women to a Bible study to share the word of God. It may be taking 10 minutes before dinner to spend time with the Lord.

 Just because it’s not now doesn’t mean it is never. You might be sensing what God wants to do in the future, but don’t get ahead of where you are. Stay in the space of grace where you are at.